Tavon Austin Talks With Jim Rome About Rams, Geno Smith

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The St. Louis Rams traded up in the 2013 NFL Draft to select multi-purpose Tavon Austin. His versatility made him a threat at West Virginia and after getting his first taste of NFL workouts, the former college wideout/running back/return man Austin expects things to stay the same in the NFL.

“I think they will use me just like they used me at West Virginia,” Austin told Jim Rome. “So far I’ve been playing a couple positions.”

But for now, the biggest challenge he’s facing is learning the playbook. Coming from West Virginia’s system, Austin found the Rams playbook to be “foreign” when he opened it up the first time. However, he has help, in the form of college teammate and current roommate Stedman Bailey.

“We try to go over the playbook every night,” said Austin. “We just call a play out and ask each other what we have to do, so I’m definitely thankful for having Sted come with me.”

Another fellow Mountaineer, Geno Smith, was the talk of the draft when he slid into the second round. Many analysts, and Austin himself, had the record-breaking Smith going before Austin.

“It was kind of heartbreaking, said Austin. “I definitely think he’s a top 10 quarterback, top 5 quarterback.”

Austin believes Smith will persevere with the Jets, and shot down pre-draft reports questioning the signal callers work ethic and leadership.

“Definitely wasn’t true,” said Austin. “I definitely know where he came from and I know he’s a hard worker.”

Austin had attracted some attention recently when he mentioned that ever since he was drafted, people have been coming out of the woodwork, claiming to be family members and looking for money. The rookie says he has all of that sorted out now and a clear plan going ahead.

“I’m pretty much just going to stick to the people that have always been there for me,” said Austin.